Six Steps of Kingian Nonviolence

Often referred to as the “skill” of Kingian Nonviolence. If the principles are the engine that the train of nonviolence runs on, the steps serves as the tracks that it travels on.

These steps should not be viewed as steps on a ladder. During a campaign, actions and events do not always go in order, or on a linear fashion. They are often viewed as phases or cycles of a campaign rather than steps because each of them embodies a cluster or series of activities related to each of the other five elements.

Step One: Information Gathering
The way you determine the facts, the options for change, and the timing of pressure for raising the issue is a collective process.

Step Two: Education
Is the process of developing articulate leaders who are knowledgable about the issues. It is directed towards the community through all forms of media about the real issues and human consequences of an unjust situation.

Step Three: Personal Commitment
Means looking at your internal and external involvement in the nonviolent campaign and preparing yourself for long-term as well as short-term action.

Step Four: Negotiation
Is the art of bringing together your views and those of your opponent to arrive at a just conclusion or clarify the unresolved issues, at which point the conflict is formalized.

Step Five: Direct Action
Occurs when negotiations have broken down or failed to produce a just response to the contested issues and conditions.

Step Six: Reconciliation
Is the mandatory closing step of a campaign, when the opponents and proponents celebrate the victory and provide joint leadership to implement change.